The adoption, announced on July 1, 2025, in Abuja, marked a significant realignment within Nigeria’s opposition bloc, which seeks to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the forthcoming polls.
As part of its transitional structure, the coalition appointed former Senate President David Mark as Interim National Chairman of the ADC, while ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola was named Interim National Secretary. Former Minister of Sports and APC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi will serve as National Publicity Secretary.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, Aregbesola emphasized the coalition’s goal to build “a truly ideological and value-driven party,” citing the African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa as a model for party discipline, inclusive participation, and internal democracy.
He declared, “We are creating a new home for Nigerians who are disillusioned by the failures of the current administration. This is not a merger of interests, but a union of shared values for genuine change.”
The coalition, which had previously floated the idea of a new platform named the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), pivoted to the ADC due to legal and logistical delays with INEC registration. The choice of the ADC—a registered and recognized party with national presence was deemed the most pragmatic option.
A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting criticized the Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government as “a disaster” marked by economic mismanagement, worsening insecurity, and shrinking democratic space.
Reacting to the development, the APC described the opposition move as “dead on arrival,” dismissing it as a recycled alliance of failed politicians. The PDP and Labour Party are yet to formally respond.
The ADC founder, Dr. Ralph Nwosu, stepped down to allow the transitional leadership to steer the coalition. A national convention is scheduled for early 2026 to elect permanent officers and ratify new party structures.
This opposition consolidation signals what may become Nigeria’s most competitive presidential race since 1999, with 2027 shaping up to be a referendum on Tinubu’s administration.
